Fresh Mixed Berry Dessert "Gazpacho"

This fresh mixed berry gazpacho dessert recipe combines summer berries like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and / or blackberries with fresh orange juice, vanilla extract, and a wee bit of sugar.

Look no further for what to do with leftover fresh berries. This is my favorite healthy and easy berry dessert recipe.

Macerating Fresh Mixed Berries For Dessert

What is macerated fruit? Simply, it's "marinating" fruit instead of meats or vegetables. Macerating berries with a little bit of liquid, sugar, and/or salt draws out natural fruit juices and changes the fruits flavor and texture.

There does not need to be a lot of liquid for macerating berries for desserts. Some examples of liquids used for maceration include: vinegars, fruit juices, liquors (could be rum, grand marnier, cointreau, etc..), or "syrups" like maple, honey, sugar, etc...

This fresh mixed berry dessert gazpacho uses orange juice, olive oil, and vanilla extract as the liquid and also brown sugar and salt as ingredients to bring out the sweetness, flavor, and texture.

Macerating fruits works differently on different fruits and also at different stages of ripeness. Macerating (think marinating) works really well on underripe berries to make them sweeter.

Soaking the berries also works differently (faster to be exact) on delicate fruits like raspberries. Raspberries absorb the liquid fast and also break down fast so think about adding them a little later to this berry dessert recipe so that the textures remain similar to the other berries.

Fresh Mixed Berry Dessert Ingredient Variations

Mixed berry dessert gazpacho is versatile. Add whatever berries you have on hand. Some examples are strawberries, mulberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and / or cherries.

Having said that, any fruit will work for this dessert. Peaches are also a great addition for this healthy mixed fruit dessert.

Orange juice helps give berry gazpacho more sweetness and flavor. The sweetest oranges are navel oranges. I have also used clementines. Even a little lime or lemon juice or zest adds tang.

Skip the mint if you don't have it. Or substitute fresh basil. Both herbs go well with mixed berry dessert gazpacho but alot of folks don't like herbs. Skip it if that's you!

Go easy on the vanilla extract. The flavor is delicious but can also be overpowering fast. Add sugar to taste. Fruits that are fresh and in season will naturally be sweeter. If the berries are are out of season, they may need a little more added sweetener.

Sugar is optional, as is olive oil and salt. A little fat from the olive oil and a little salt go a long way in adding flavor to most dishes, even mixed berry desserts.

How To Serve Fresh Mixed Berry Dessert

I prefer fresh berry dessert "gazpacho" chunky and not blended - this is how the recipe is written.  Having said that, if you want it smooth, throw all the ingredients in a blender.

If you like smooth and chunky berry gazpacho, then just throw half of the ingredients into the blender.

Fresh mixed berries for desserts tastes better chilled so toss it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. It will actually taste better and sweeter with time. The juices will release with the addition of the sugar and salt and make for a really yummy berry sauce.

Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream, ice cream, or yogurt or a little wedge of chocolate to this mixed berry recipe for the perfect light and healthy summer berry dessert.

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